Contents
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| Before a BSA group may engage in swimming activities of any kind, a minimum of one adult leader must complete Safe Swim Defense training, have a commitment card (No. 34243) with them, and agree to use the eight defenses in this plan.
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| — Guide to Safe Scouting, II. Aquatics Safety
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While your handbook is your primary resource, the links below can help you learn Swimming Skills. See the Disclaimers. ► Videos show you key skills.
Swimming Strokes
- Again, the only resources recommended by the BSA are those in the BSA materials. See the Disclaimers.
► Swimming Lesson Videos - How to Swim
Backstroke
► Backstroke (Back Crawl)
Elementary Backstroke
► Video: Elementary Backstroke
Breaststroke
► Breaststroke
Butterfly
► Butterfly
Freestyle
► Freestyle (Front Crawl)
arm action - breathing - Step-by step Instruction
Sidestroke
► Sidestroke
Trudgen
► Trudgen
- What is the Trudgen? Per USASwimming.org's History of Swimming:
- "Arthur Trudgen noticed that the Indians generated much more speed in the water with their overhand stroke than he had produced with the breaststroke as an amateur swimmer in England. But he apparently failed to note that this overhand stroke was coupled with a distinctive up-and-down kicking motion."
- By 1902, the mistake had been found and the flutter kick the American Indians actually used was adopted becoming the Crawl.
Floating
- Reminder: The only resources recommended by the BSA are those listed in the BSA materials. See the Disclaimers.
► Float - Teaching kids to float
Survival Floating
► Survival Floating
Treading Water
► Tread Water
Personal Flotation Device
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| Properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) must be worn by all persons engaged in activity on the open water (rowing, canoeing, sailing, boardsailing, motorboating, waterskiing, rafting, tubing, and kayaking).
Only U.S. Coast Guard-approved equipment (types I, II, or III) is acceptable for use in Scouting aquatics. Ski belts are not acceptable. Scouts and unit leaders should learn which type is appropriate for each specific circumstance and how to wear and check for proper fit.
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| — Guide to Safe Scouting
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► How to Pick a PFD for Canoeing
Kicks
► Flutter Kick (or Freestyle Kick) - Frog Kick (or Breaststroke Kick) - Dolphin Kick (or Butterfly Kick)
Diving
- Diving and Elevated Entry
- Again, the only resources recommended by the BSA are those listed in the BSA materials. See the Disclaimers.
► Diving Safety -
Racing Dive
Snorkling
- Snorkeling
- Again, the only resources recommended by the BSA are those in the BSA materials. See the Disclaimers.
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| The Snorkeling BSA requirements introduce Scout-age children and adult leaders to the special skills, equipment, and safety precautions associated with snorkeling; encourage the development of aquatics skills that promote fitness and recreation; and provide a foundation for those who later will participate in more advanced underwater activity.
Snorkeling Safety is the recommended procedure for conducting BSA swimming activities using masks, fins, and snorkels. Since snorkeling is a swimming activity, Safe Swim Defense guidelines are applicable. Snorkeling Safety clarifies and extends Safe Swim Defense concepts to situations encountered during training and open water snorkeling.
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| — Guide to Safe Scouting
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► Snorkeling
SCUBA
- Scuba BSA - Scuba Policy
- Again, the only resources recommended by the BSA are those listed in the BSA materials. See the Disclaimers.
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| Any person possessing, displaying, or using scuba (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) in connection with any Scouting-related activity must either be currently certified by, or enrolled in a training course authorized by the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI), the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), or Scuba Schools International (SSI). These agencies are recognized by the Boy Scouts of America for scuba training and instruction. Alternatively, if PADI, NAUI, or SSI training and instruction is not available, certification may be accepted from other agencies that comply with Recreational Scuba Training Council (RSTC) guidelines, provided that such acceptance has been expressly approved by the BSA local council in consultation with the BSA national Health and Safety Service.
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| — Guide to Safe Scouting
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► SCUBA Diving
Swimming Underwater
► Swimming Underwater
Swimming Turns
► Open Turns - Flip Turns
Surface Diving
Lifesaving Skills
- Again, the only resources recommended by the BSA are those listed in the BSA materials. See the Disclaimers.
Reach, Throw, Row, Go
► Reach, Throw, Row, Go (with animation at the end) - Reach - Throw
How to Swim with an Unconscious Person - How to Use a Tired Swimmer Carry
Fear of the water
Many youth and adults have some fear of the water but when is a fear of the water considered to be the mental disorder requiring that the Scout be considered for Special Needs?
Websters Dictionary states that Hydrophobia is "the mortal fear of water" literally being scared to death of water. Hydrophobia is not a fear of swimming but a fear of all water. Hydrophobia is a mental disorder, specifically a Specific Phobia Anxiety Disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association classifies a Specific Phobia as 300.29.
If a Scout is diagnosed with Hydrophobia or other physical or mental disabilities, his Chartered Organization notes this on his youth application. The Scout's Medical Record should reflect any disabilities as well. His local council reviews any Medical Record, Individualized Education Program (IEP), and other resources and can certify that the Scout has Special Needs. The Council Advancement Committee can then approve Alternate Requirements for this Scout. See Special Needs for details.
Related Awards
- Aquatic Award Links
Aquatic-related awards
See also
External links
- Guide to Safe Scouting
Disclaimers
Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional advice or training.
Please note that the only Swimming, Lifesaving, First Aid, and CPR materials recommended by the Boy Scouts of America are those found or listed in official BSA materials such as the current Swimming or Lifesaving Merit Badge Books or Boy Scout Handbook. Swimming, Lifesaving, First Aid, and CPR guidelines are constantly being revised. Neither MeritBadge.Org, nor its contributors make any recommendations.
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